Friday, March 20, 2026

Pasadena Unified School District Refocuses Chávez Day Activities Amid Abuse Allegations

Superintendent directs families to mental health resources after New York Times investigation details sexual abuse by late labor leader

The Pasadena Unified School District said Thursday it will change how it observes César Chávez Day this year, shifting the focus from the late labor leader to the broader civil rights movement after a New York Times investigation detailed allegations that Chávez sexually abused girls and women during his decades leading the United Farm Workers.

Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Blanco said in a statement that the District is “adapting planned activities to honor the collective work for civil rights rather than the individual.” She pointed students, staff, and families to district mental health resources, including the Pasadena Unified School District’s Student Wellness and Support Services (SWSS), Daybreak Health, and Hazel Health, as well as the Los Angeles County Office of Education’s Sexual Assault Awareness page.

“The information shared by Dolores Huerta and other survivors is a painful reminder of our responsibility as educators to uphold the safety, dignity, and well-being of every student and staff member,” Blanco said in the statement.

“Our role extends beyond academics. As an educational community, we must ensure that every student feels safe in our schools and knows that there are trusted adults who will listen, support, and protect them.”

The statement followed the publication of the Times investigation on Wednesday, which reported allegations from two women who said Chávez began sexually abusing them when they were 12 and 13 years old during the 1970s. The newspaper said it relied on interviews with more than 60 people and reviewed union records, emails, and other documents, NPR reported.

Huerta, 95, who co-founded the United Farm Workers with Chávez, disclosed in a separate statement Wednesday that Chávez sexually assaulted her in the 1960s. She said she had kept the secret for 60 years out of fear that the disclosure would damage the farmworker movement, according to Time magazine. Both encounters led to pregnancies, Huerta said.

Chávez died in 1993 at age 66.

Blanco said in her statement that the District continues to “honor the enduring contributions of the United Farm Workers of America and the courageous leadership of Dolores Huerta in elevating voices that had long gone unheard.” She acknowledged the allegations are “especially difficult for many Latinos who have long viewed César Chávez as a symbol of justice and advocacy.”

“Distinguishing between the impact of a movement and the actions of the individual can be painful, but it is necessary,” Blanco said.

The Pasadena Unified School District’s statement came as school districts across California confronted questions about Chávez’s legacy. The Los Angeles Unified School District said Thursday it is reviewing curriculum and resources related to Chávez, according to NBC Los Angeles. As many as 40 California public schools are named for the late labor leader, according to EdSource.

California’s legislative leaders announced Thursday they will rename the March 31 state holiday — currently designated as César Chávez Day — to Farmworkers Day. Gov. Gavin Newsom signaled support for the change, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. California was the first state to designate the holiday in 2000.

The United Farm Workers announced Tuesday it will not participate in any César Chávez Day activities this year, citing “deeply troubling allegations.” The César Chávez Foundation said it was “deeply shocked and saddened,” according to NPR.

Pasadena Unified School District schools are scheduled to be closed March 31 in observance of the holiday. The District has historically marked the occasion with learning and service activities, including an annual art and essay contest and participation in local commemorative events.

Families seeking support can contact the Pasadena Unified School District’s Student Wellness and Support Services at (626) 396-3600 or reach Daybreak Health by emailing carecoordinator@daybreakhealth.com or calling (415) 992-6155.

Hazel Health offers free virtual physical and mental health services in English and Spanish to Pasadena Unified School District students.

“We remain committed to approaching this moment with care, integrity, and a focus on the values that guide our district,” Blanco said.